ENThe options to make files available online and on the work-floor are springing up like mushrooms. SaaS, Hybrid Cloud or On-Premise, are terms you can quickly find after searching for ‘cloud’ online. Each cloud platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, but choosing the best cloud for your business may be difficult. If you have a local server you may want to integrate it in the cloud or permanently move the files.
We describe all the options available and offer advice that will help you make the right choice. Which cloud is the best for your company?
Connect your local server to the cloud (Hybrid Cloud)
A server or Network-Attached Storage (NAS) is rather limited to store your company files. When working remotely, employees have to use a VPN connection to access the files. While this solution provides enough storage capacity, it offers few management and recovery features.
If you connect your local server to the cloud you increase the number of configuration options. Combining your local server and the cloud is a good example of what we call Hybrid Cloud.
One of the main advantages of the Hybrid Cloud is that file changes are immediately synchronized between the cloud, server or NAS. This is extremely useful because you get the best of both worlds with hybrid clouds.
- You will always have a local and cloud backup
- Multiple ways access the files
- All the advantages inherent to the cloud:
- Remote access
- Continuous backup
- Permission management
If you have a faulty server, or the cloud reduces the need for your own local server, you can easily replace it. You can have the exact same file structure in the cloud and still benefit from all the advantages it offers.
Replace your local server with the cloud (SaaS)
If your current server is getting old, you are probably considering the costs of investing in a new server. If you would rather cut costs, instead of investing in local storage it is better to go all-in into the cloud. Using a cloud solution hosted outside your company is also called a SaaS solution.
Since the GDPR was enforced, it is wise to know where the cloud provider is hosting your files, (also applicable to the Hybrid Cloud).
First, you check whether the servers are located in the Netherlands or in Europe and then you check if a data processing agreement is available. If one of the two is missing, you are not complying with GDPR privacy rules.
In addition to the GDPR you should also look into the support department and the options your provider gives you. You will be completely dependent on the solution you choose. Good research can pay off later if you run into issues. This becomes even more important when you don’t have enough technical knowledge.
- Cheap and flexible
- No purchase of equipment and no maintenance
- No technical knowledge required
- Companies rely more on the provider
Configure your own cloud server (On-Premise)
A cloud solution can also be hosted internally, this is commonly known as an On-Premise implementation. A server is set up on-location with a cloud solution installed and files are kept within the company premises. If full control and management of the cloud play a decisive role then you should choose this option.
Not every cloud provider offers on-premise options, but when this is available it often carries a heavy cost. Equipment, installation, maintenance, and licenses will significantly increase costs.
- Full in-house implementation
- High setup and implementation costs
- High maintenance costs
Which implementation should you choose in the end?
As you have probably gathered by now, the final choice depends on the company and end-user requirements. If you want complete control of the cloud and have enough budget available then you could consider On-Premises. If money influences the decision, you might want to replace your local server or switch completely to the Cloud.
The most important!
After deciding on the best way to save and share your company files, look at the customer support and how it can help you. It’s important to be aware of any hidden conditions. We recommend asking all your questions by phone. This way you can build a better picture of what to expect from the cloud solution and the IT support.
At vBoxx we offer all of the options mentioned above, and we are ready to help you make the right choice. Call us for a free consultation or schedule a 1-on-1 demonstration to find everything you need to know about working in a secure cloud environment.